N6QW ~ The Ham Oracle

The Boat Anchor Conundrum!

I must admit that a I own a few Boat Anchors --like maybe more than I should; but they include names like Collins, Drake, Ten Tec, SBE, National, heathkit, WRL and even a hallicrafters FPM 300 (reincarnated). When I first started in ham radio, several of those names dominated the ham market. They are no more save for Ten Tec that is still operating; but with a cloudy future.
These radios graced the pages of QST, CQ, 73, Ham Radio and even Popular Electronics. They were the mainstay of many OT's and on the want list of those of us just beginning the sojourn in the 1950's. 
Some of the boat anchor's today can be had for pennies. Two eBay auctions this week for National NCX-3's ended with a price of $26 and $36.50 respectively. A year ago I bought an NCX3 with a power supply for $69.  With the exception of the one heathkit I have, they all work and are on the air. But you know what --- they are worth the amount for which they are being sold. I have…

Upgrade that IRF510 Final Amp!
Cartoon Courtesy of N2CQR -- Thanks Bill!!

9/21/2019...

On September 18th, I participated in a Skype Presentation with the Peel Amateur Radio Club (PARC) Homebrew Group. What a blast to visit with a group of fellow homebrewer's and discuss some of my homebrew activities with a specific focus on my work with the RADIG. Mention is made about this change from the IRF510 final amp. This is over an hour long so it is a snoozing event; but the real import is that there are in fact "homebrew groups" that are building their own rigs. Several years ago the PARC made a group build of "The LBS" a joint project from N6QW and AI6YR. Two of their built units made the trip to FDIM where they won first place. Thank You PARC for inviting me to speak to your group.






[Once you have done this upgrade you should consider putting your homebrew SSB Transceiver on FT-8 and here is a great digital adapter kit from: 
https://shop.kit-projects.com/index.php?route…

Giuseppe Biagi

At times we might forget the import of ham radio but to a group of Italian polar explorers in 1928, our hobby was a true lifesaver. Do an internet search on Giuseppe Biagi the explorer (not the painter).
Ham radio to the rescue and I believe it was QRP.
73's Pete N6QW

Yet another SSB Transceiver --More CRAP!

You have heard of single board computers --well here is a single board rig!

Custom LCD Characters and S Meters
See https://maxpromer.github.io/LCD-Character-Creator/

If you are not wiring direct but using I2C select I2C and binary





Pete, N6QW

A New Found Opportunity--Arduino + CW!The Left Coast Loafer CW Transceiver






Hey John Bolton now that you have some free time, have you considered getting a ham ticket?
A New Definition for MAGA
More And Greater Avarice. 
Maybe the wrong guy just got fired yesterday!

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9/7/2019 ~ CW Output Across 50 Ohms




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9/6/2019
More Tidbits for your amusement and amazement!

So here are a couple of "tricks" I would like to share with you.


First is how to have sidetone. Well with my super duper DPDT TR switch I added a 470 Ohm 1 watt resistor and a 1N4007 diode. The 470 Ohm connects on one end to the voltage contact that supplies the Transmit voltage. The other end is connected to the Anode end of the diode. The Cathode end is then connected to the contact that receives juice on Receive. Thus on receive no voltage is fed back to the transmit side; but when in transmit voltage is fed to the receiver. The 470 Ohm dropping re…